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ICD-10 Coding for Congestive Hepatopathy(K76.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Congestive Hepatopathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Chronic Passive Congestion of LiverNutmeg Liver

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Congestive Hepatopathy

K70-K77Primary Range

Diseases of liver

This range includes codes for liver diseases, including congestive hepatopathy.

Heart failure

This range includes codes for heart failure, which is often linked to congestive hepatopathy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for congestive hepatopathy

Essential facts and insights about Congestive Hepatopathy

The ICD-10 code for congestive hepatopathy is K76.1, indicating chronic passive congestion of the liver due to heart failure.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for congestive hepatopathy

Chronic passive congestion of liver
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of right-sided heart failure symptoms and liver dysfunction.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of heart failure as the cause of liver issues.

Applicable To

  • Congestive hepatopathy
  • Nutmeg liver

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Right upper quadrant pain
  • Jugular venous distension
  • Ascites
  • Mild AST/ALT elevations
  • Hepatomegaly on imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as cirrhosis without biopsy confirmation.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links liver dysfunction to heart failure.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Chronic systolic heart failure

I50.22
Use alongside K76.1 to indicate chronic heart failure as the cause.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Cirrhosis of liver, unspecified

K74.60
Use K74.60 only if cirrhosis is confirmed by biopsy, not just imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Congestive Hepatopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or incomplete treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the etiology of liver dysfunction.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states liver dysfunction is due to CHF.

Impact

Failure to document the link can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation explicitly states the cause of liver issues.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Congestive Hepatopathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Congestive Hepatopathy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Congestive Hepatopathy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic liver dysfunction due to heart failure

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Linkage of liver dysfunction to heart failure
  • Specific heart failure type and chronicity
  • Laboratory and imaging findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic liver dysfunction secondary to chronic systolic heart failure. Imaging shows hepatomegaly with nutmeg pattern.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Liver enzymes elevated.
Good Documentation Example
ALT 85 U/L, AST 92 U/L, total bilirubin 2.4 mg/dL in setting of decompensated right heart failure.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab values and links them to heart failure.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Congestive Hepatopathy? Ask your questions below.

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